DJCAD Degree Show 2026 to transform Dundee into one of Scotland’s largest free art venues
- Andrew Batchelor
- May 12
- 2 min read
Hundreds of emerging artists and designers are preparing to showcase their work as Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design’s annual Degree Show returns to Dundee this month.
The Art & Design Undergraduate Degree Show 2026 will take place from 23 May until 31 May across the Matthew and Crawford buildings at DJCAD, part of the University of Dundee.
This year’s exhibition will feature work from 427 graduating students, transforming the campus into one of the largest free art venues in Scotland as members of the public are invited to explore a huge variety of creative work across multiple disciplines.
The exhibition will include projects from students studying Animation, Architecture, Art & Philosophy, Digital Interaction Design, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interior & Environmental Design, Jewellery & Metal Design, Product Design, Textile Design, Urban Planning and Environmental Sustainability.
Among the featured artists is Fine Art student Mathew Tilbrook, whose striking sculptures appear throughout this year’s promotional campaign for the show.
Mathew, 51, created a collection of clay, wax and metal spheres inspired by themes including impermanence, natural geometry and lived experiences of chronic illness.
Some of the sculptures weigh around 12kg and took more than two months to complete, including several large bronze pieces.
His work intentionally pushes materials beyond their normal limits, embracing unpredictability, imperfections and randomness to reflect themes surrounding life, death, chronic illness and natural geometric forms.
Originally from the building industry before later becoming a teacher in Thailand, Mathew was inspired to study at DJCAD after seeing the experiences of his partner, Gail Neckel, who graduated from the Fine Art course in 2023.
He also praised the support he received from the University while managing Crohn’s and Colitis during his studies, highlighting the understanding shown by tutors and Disability Services staff alongside the flexibility offered throughout the course.
Following graduation this summer, Mathew and Gail plan to run art workshops together.
Reflecting on his time at DJCAD, Mathew described the experience as fantastic and praised both the facilities and the creative community within the university.
Professor Jeff Blackford, Vice-Principal of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, described the Degree Show as one of the University’s biggest annual events and said it offers graduating students the opportunity to showcase their achievements while connecting with professional communities.
The Degree Show will be open daily from 10am until 4pm between 23 May and 31 May, with late openings until 8pm on 28 May and 30 May.
